Building a Foundation of Hope: Part 2

The next few posts will be uncomfortable. 

I want us to have a clean foundation to build upon and that means stripping off the old and ugly truths we’ve allowed ourselves to believe. It means exposing the things we would rather not acknowledge... even to ourselves.
We're doing this because we don’t want to “gloss over” the cracks we’ve created in our foundation. This would cause our framework to be weak. We want to firmly fix our framework upon the solid foundation Christ so generously gave us at Calvary.

So let’s dig in and get dirty!

First, let’s begin with assessing where we are RIGHT now in our walk with Christ. 

Not where we want to be.

Not where we were five years ago…or even yesterday.

Where are you RIGHT now?

Is your faith strong or wavering?

Are your doubts holding you back from God or pushing you toward Him?

Do you dread going to church, reading your Bible and praying or are you exciting to spend more time with God?

Would others classify you as a mature Christian or does your lifestyle make people wonder if you’re even a follower of Christ?

How would God classify your relationship with Him? Would He be happy with the amount of time you spend with Him or sad that He is far down on your list of priorities?

Do you struggle with “faith verses works”? Do you feel like you’re never enough and wonder how other Christians seem to have it all “figured out”? 

Or is pride a plank blocking your vision? Do you think you’re better than other Christians because you have more Scripture memorized, you attend church more, you volunteer, tithe, etc.?

Where are you RIGHT now in your maturity as a Christian?

Spiritual Growth is like Exercise. 

You have to start with where you are and move forward.

When I started Taekwondo I had to be honest with myself. I was “skinny”, but out of shape. 

It was hard seeing people who LOOKED less in shape be able to do more. 

But I had to start with where I was. Not where I wanted to be or even where I looked like I belonged.

When I began I could only do 5 “real” pushups (not the girlie ones), 8 months later I’m able to do 50 “real” pushups without stopping.

Getting to this point took pain. 

My muscles ached. They protested as I pushed beyond my limit. 

But I kept going. I persevered. And I will keep persevering until I reach my goal of 100.

This process taught me that I can’t jump ahead in my physical capabilities.  Likewise, I can’t jump ahead in my spiritual ones either.

To mature in Christ, I must do the work and I must start at with where I am RIGHT NOW.

You must do the same with where you are in your walk with Christ.

If you’re having trouble, ask God to help you be honest with yourself. 

Ask Him to show you areas you need improvement—because we ALL need improvement. None of us are there yet. 

So until next time, I challenge you to get honest with yourself.

Find out where you are RIGHT now.

Once that’s established we can move on to the next uncomfortable step: Evaluating our hearts desires.

“"Ask and it will be given to you;

seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Matt 7:7 NIV